Project Officer (Coordonnateur de Zone)

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's processes and policies reflect this commitment, ensuring that all staff adhere to a strict Code of Conduct. CRS also prioritizes hiring candidates from the regions in which it operates, and it is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Overview:
As a member of the Tudituale project team, the Project Officer will monitor and report on the management and implementation of all project activities and interventions within their assigned Health Zone. This role is crucial in supporting CRS's mission to serve the poor and vulnerable populations. The Project Officer will ensure that the project consistently applies best practices and continuously works to enhance the impact of its benefits on the communities served. The position requires a rigorous and service-oriented approach to project management, ensuring that all activities align with CRS's quality standards, donor requirements, and good practices. The Project Officer will also play a key role in capacity building for local partners and will be expected to engage actively with community members to foster collaboration and support for project initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will be responsible for coordinating and implementing all activities within their assigned Health Zone as outlined in the detailed implementation plan. This includes monitoring and reporting on challenges or gaps identified to inform adjustments to implementation plans and timelines. The officer will assist partners in their learning efforts to enhance their project management skills and contribute to performance reviews. Responsibilities also include coordinating project evaluation activities, supporting partners in data collection and analysis, and preparing reports in collaboration with local partners. The Project Officer will gather information on staffing needs, capacity building, and technical assistance for partner organizations, ensuring effective impact. Additionally, the officer will maintain updated project data and documentation for all interventions in their health zone and assist in identifying information for case studies, success stories, and reports on promising practices across all project components. Quality assurance of activities implemented by partners in the financial inclusion component will also be a key responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong observational, active listening, and analytical skills, with the ability to make informed judgments. Excellent relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members are essential. Attention to detail, accuracy, and prompt execution of assigned responsibilities are critical. The ideal candidate should be proactive, results-oriented, and service-focused. Preferred qualifications include experience in participatory action planning and community engagement, strong leadership and motivational skills to coordinate a multidisciplinary team, and excellent representation, communication, and advocacy skills within the intervention zone. Experience in project monitoring and relevant data collection is preferred, along with proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Graduat diploma is required, with a preference for a Bachelor's degree in social sciences, rural development, or a related field. Candidates with equivalent qualifications may also be considered. A minimum of 2 years of work experience in project support is required, with additional experience in development, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, or social sciences for an NGO being a plus. Additional experience may substitute for certain educational requirements.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant work experience in project support. Experience in development, food security, or social sciences, particularly within an NGO context, is highly desirable. Candidates with additional experience may be considered in lieu of specific educational qualifications, indicating a flexible approach to hiring based on practical experience and skills.

Languages:
Fluency in French (both written and spoken) is mandatory, along with proficiency in local languages from the Kasaï Central region. Knowledge of English is considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within diverse teams and with international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position will be based in one of the health zones of Lubondaie, Yangala, and Maswika, with over 80% of the work time spent in the field. The successful candidate will be expected to travel frequently within the assigned health zone to effectively implement project activities. The role is full-time, and candidates must be legally eligible to work in the Democratic Republic of Congo. CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS offices are located.